Astros select Tony Kemp to major league roster

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Published 4:00 pm, Sunday, May 15, 2016

The Houston Astros have selected infielder/outfielder Tony Kemp to the Major League roster and have designated catcher Erik Kratz for assignment. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow.

Kemp, 25, will be making his debut on a Major League roster after spending the first part of this season at Triple A Fresno. With the Grizzlies, Kemp was hitting .298 (36x121) with four stolen bases, seven extra-base hits and 21 walks for a .410 on-base percentage in 34 games this season. The left-handed hitting Kemp has played both infield and outfield throughout his minor league career, and has started 15 games at second base, nine in left field and eight in center field this season. Kemp was originally a fifth-round selection by Houston in the June 2013 draft.

Kratz, 35, played in 15 games for the Astros this season as the club’s backup catcher. He was originally acquired via trade by Houston from San Diego on March 28 in exchange for right-handed pitcher Dan Straily.

With the addition of Kemp and the removal of Kratz, the Astros 40-man roster remains full at 40.